Dorothy Mereness Thorbeck

Thorbeck, Dorothy Mereness age 93, died peacefully on September 26, 2013. Born December 12, 1919, near Windom, MN to Arthur Mereness and Florence Scurr Mereness. Dorothy moved from Slayton, MN to St. Paul in the third grade, graduating from Central High School in 1937. A 1941 graduate of the University of MN where she was a Danforth Scholar, recipient of the Dean Freeman Medal and a member of Mortar Board. It was here she also met her husband of 52 years, Oscar Thorbeck. She raised their family in Saint Louis Park and retired nearby, spending much of her time in Gonvick, MN, at the family farm and Scottsdale, AZ. Dorothy made everyone around her feel special and important with her warmth and hospitality. She is beloved and missed by all who knew her. A special thanks to the staff of the Wealshire of Bloomington and Park Nicollet hospice care. Survived by Jane Thorbeck, Katherine (Paul) Imle, David Thorbeck, Sally (Steve) Stadum, grandchildren Peter (Tracy) Imle, Amy (Craig) Crosby, Laura Stadum (Eddie VanBuren), Anne Stadum, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Carol Mereness and her kind caregiver and friend, Judy Miller. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers, Robert and Charles Mereness. A private graveside service at Samhold Cemetery followed by a celebration of Dorothy's life for family and friends at the Thorbeck farm in Gonvick will be held on October 12th. Memorials to Thorbeck Foundation Scholarship Fund or Alzheimer's Research.